2.27 Million Children with HIV Globally in 2025

In 2025, approximately 2.27 million children and adolescents aged 0–19 were living with HIV worldwide, according to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). The 2026 HIV estimates revealed that 240,000 children and adolescents acquired HIV that year, while 74,000 died from AIDS-related causes.

Among children aged 0–14, 1.26 million were living with HIV, with 93,000 new infections and 61,000 deaths reported. This translates to about 255 children acquiring HIV and 167 dying from AIDS-related causes daily.

UNICEF highlighted persistent gaps in access to HIV testing and treatment, noting that only 65% of children aged 0–14 knew their HIV status compared to 89% of adults. Furthermore, only 55% of children living with HIV received antiretroviral treatment, and just 47% achieved viral suppression.

The UNAIDS Special Report for AIDS 2026, released during the International AIDS Conference in Rio de Janeiro, emphasized the need for urgent action to address these challenges, particularly in light of declining international funding and service disruptions.